The Ultimate Camper Van Table for Car Camping and Van Life
If you’ve watched any of my videos, you might recognize this little gem—my DIY camper van shelf/table. It’s the ultimate multi-purpose tool in my van setup, and I use it in more ways than I ever thought possible. Whether I’m cooking outside, building something or just using it for storage, this simple piece of wood has completely transformed how I use my minivan’s limited space. Let me walk you through how I built it and how it’s become a game-changer for my camper van lifestyle.
Links to products, devices and gear featured in this video
The Genius of Multi-Purpose Design
In my tiny minivan, every inch of space has to count. I needed something that wasn’t just functional but versatile—something that could serve multiple purposes. Enter the DIY shelf/table.
At first glance, it’s just a cheap piece of wood, but I use it for everything:
- Inside the van: It secures my sink, compost bin, and stove while driving.
- Outside the van: It becomes a food prep station, a workbench, or even an outdoor cooktop.
- On-the-go setup: It serves as a mounting base for tools and accessories or even a compact dining table.
The key to its versatility is a combination of quick connect rails and what I call a “magic table leg.” Let me show you how I built it from scratch.
Step 1: Building the Shelf
I started with a pre-cut project board (16” wide by 48” long) that I picked up from a hardware store for about $15. The size is perfect for balancing between my van’s front seats and the steering wheel.
First, I measured the dimensions:
- From the front of the steering wheel to the back of the seat (13” for my setup).
- Across the van, from one seat edge to the other (48”).
Once I had the measurements, I tested the fit by placing a scrap piece of wood on top of the seats and gently closing the doors to ensure everything aligned. If it’s too long, trim it down to fit snugly.
To stabilize the shelf, I attached small 2x2 wooden blocks to the bottom. These blocks slide into the handles on the back of my seats, securing the shelf in place. If your seats don’t have handles, no worries! You can clamp the shelf to the steering wheel for extra stability.
Step 2: Adding Quick Connect Rails
Here’s where the magic happens. I installed Quick Connect rails, which are aluminum tracks that let you snap the shelf into place anywhere you mount the matching rail.
I cut a 30” rail into two 15” sections using a hacksaw (be careful—cutting metal can spark, so do this in a safe, open space). Then, I mounted one rail to the shelf and another to a sturdy surface in my van. The result? A snap-on table system that’s rock-solid.
Now I can hook the shelf inside the van, on the outside of the passenger side, or anywhere else I’ve installed a rail. It even works great as an outdoor workstation.
Step 3: Creating the “Magic Leg”
For stability, I needed a table leg that was adjustable, lightweight, and easy to store. My solution? A monopod—a tool photographers use for cameras.
I modified the monopod by removing its cap and creating a custom wood block with a hole drilled to fit snugly around it. This block attaches to the bottom of the shelf, and the monopod slides right in. With quick-release levers, I can adjust the leg to any height and lock it into place.
Step 4: Testing the Setup
Once everything was assembled, I tested the shelf/table in all its configurations:
- Inside: It fit perfectly across the front seats, with the 2x2 blocks holding it steady.
- Outside: Using the Quick Connect rails, I snapped it onto the van’s exterior and added the monopod for support. It became a sturdy outdoor prep station.
I even mounted my sink, faucet, and stove onto the table for outdoor cooking. Having running water and a cooktop outside the van felt like the ultimate camping luxury!
Why This DIY Table Is a Must-Have
This table isn’t just a shelf—it’s a workbench, a food prep station, a mounting base, and more. For van life, where space is precious and everything needs to serve multiple purposes, this DIY project is a no-brainer.
With just a piece of wood, some Quick Connect rails, and a monopod, I’ve created something that’s as practical as it is affordable. Whether you’re a full-time van lifer or a weekend camper, this table can adapt to your needs and make your setup more functional.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this project a try, and let me know how it works for you! Happy building!